Every pet owner's worst nightmare is having their pet run away. Microchips can help to alleviate some of that worry. If you do have the misfortune of losing your cat or dog, a microchip can help to return them to you quickly. The microchip is placed under the skin behind the shoulder of your pet. It is relatively painless and poses no long term side effects. Each microchip has its own series of numbers and/or letters that links to your pet's information. If a lost pet is found, they can be scanned and their owner's address and contact information can be obtained through the microchip company. Collars can fall off and "Lost Dog" flyers can be ineffective, but this advance in technology helps reunite more lost pets with their owner than ever before. An additional benefit for dog owners is that your dog can obtain a lifetime license once microchipped. This is a license that is good for the dog's entire life- no need to get yearly dog licenses.